Ancient Rome

The Rise and Fall of an Empire

By: Simon Baker

Narrated by: Chris MacDonnell

This is the story of the greatest empire the world has ever known. Simon Baker charts the rise and fall of the world's first superpower, focusing on six momentous turning points that shaped Roman history. Welcome to Rome as you've never seen it before—awesome and splendid, gritty and squalid.

From the conquest of the Mediterranean beginning in the third century BC to the destruction of the Roman Empire at the hands of barbarian invaders some seven centuries later, we discover the most critical episodes in Roman history: the spectacular collapse of the "free" republic, the birth of the age of the "Caesars", the violent suppression of the strongest rebellion against Roman power, and the bloody civil war that launched Christianity as a world religion.

At the heart of this account are the dynamic, complex, and flawed characters of some of the most powerful rulers in history: men such as Pompey the Great, Julius Caesar, Augustus, Nero, and Constantine. Putting flesh on the bones of these distant, legendary figures, Baker looks beyond the dusty, toga-clad caricatures and explores their real motivations and ambitions.

©2006 Simon Baker; foreword by Mary Beard copyright 2006 by Woodlands Books Ltd (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Well written, clear, and succinct." (Library Journal)

Great Story of Ancient Rome

Fantastic overview of the Ancient Rome. This was a great Audible. The narrator was okay; could have been better. Overall I recommend this book.

Great

A long and very interesting journey through time back to the days of the Roman's. Very much enjoyed this title.

Overview of Rome Pre-empire

This is an excellent and balanced overview of the rise of Rome through the fall of the Republic, suitable for readers seeking a good introduction to early Rome or a comfortable review..

Chris Macdonald is the best!

Well written, perfect performance! Just love it. I strongly recommend it to my friends and coworkers.

Turning Points

Emphasis on important turning points came out excellent. Must criticise Audible however for yet another unformated Table of Contents.